Adaptive Pedagogies and Paragogies

Inspired by Jerome Bruner, this article assumes that "adaptation" is part of our lives from birth, being the means by which we come to make sense of the world around us. New phenomena are interpreted in terms of what we already know; this is the foundation of all learning. The function of any educational institution consists in promoting learning; hence they should encourage individuals to make discoveries for themselves through adaptation. This process involves something more than learner-centered education: everyone—educators and learners alike—should participate in learning events and share their experiences. What we are talking about here is the creation of communities that set aside so-called differences between learners and educators, or educators from different socioeconomic or ethnic backgrounds, and commits itself instead to mutual support and progress. While knowledge remains a significant part of the learning experience, the community commits itself to the development of individual abilities—negotiation, decision-making, and (perhaps most significantly) listening.